Winter in Finnish Lapland
snowmobiling, ice fishing or ride with reindeer and husky sleighs in Rovaniemi
Winter in northern Finland is cold, so it's important to stay active. Luckily, tour companies around Rovaniemi, just short of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, have numerous activities to keep you busy and warm and to give you endless stories to tell the folks back home.
Outdoor Activities in Rovaniemi
Tour companies abound in Rovaniemi with long list of half and full day activities to enrich your holiday. You might come on an organized tour and be tied to a particular agency, but it's also very simple to arrive independently and book exactly the experiences you want. These companies nearly always provide you with a cosy, warm thermal suit and boots, so you won't freeze too much.
Driving a snowmobile is a popular activity, with trips ranging from half a day to overnight safaris. A five-minute how-to lesson is enough to have you off and racing, often along the frozen river and along well-marked tracks in the snow-covered forest. Usually, the snowmobiles are designed for two people, and sometimes small trailers can be towed behind to bring small children.
Some trips combine a snowmobile ride with other activities, for example ice fishing at a frozen lake (the guide usually brings some back-up food for the campfire if you fail to catch anything!), or a visit to a reindeer farm where you have the chance to learn to drive a reindeer sleigh. Another popular adventure is to take a ride on a sleigh driven by a team of husky dogs, who are always very excited to be on the move, and reluctant to ever stand still! For a quieter experience, snowshoe walking or cross country skiing is a nice way to explore a snowy forest without the roar of the snowmobile.
Staying Indoors in Rovaniemi
When you've had enough of the great outdoors, Rovaniemi also provides some indoor activities. The Arktikum museum, housed in a architecturally impressive dome, tells the story of the way of life for those in the Arctic region. Alternatively, a trip to Santa's Village on the Arctic Circle is fun for young and old, and you can speak to Santa (and give him your wish list) for free.
